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NFC chairman: Detained Datuk not related to my family
Hasan Ali refutes allegations he is pursuing Umno’s agenda
PM’s X'mas message: Seize chance to understand each other better

NFC chairman: Detained Datuk not related to my family

Posted: 24 Dec 2011 06:18 AM PST

Published: Saturday December 24, 2011 MYT 10:18:00 PM

KUALA LUMPUR: National Feedlot Centre (NFC) chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Salleh Ismail said in a statement Saturday that a businessman detained to facilitate investigations into the NFC case was not related to him or other members of his family.

"The individual was also not and has never been an employee of NFC," he said.

Meanwhile, the businessman has been remanded for a further three days starting on Friday.

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigation director Datuk Mustafar Ali said the 45-year-old man was initially remanded for two days.

"The remand was extended to complete and facilitate the case under the MACC Act 2009," he said.

The NFC issue surfaced following the 2010 Auditor-General's Report in October, which stated the centre had failed to comply with the objectives of its formation.

The opposition parties also alleged misappropriation of funds, particularly in relation to the purchase of a luxury condominium in the city. - Bernama

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Hasan Ali refutes allegations he is pursuing Umno’s agenda

Posted: 24 Dec 2011 03:53 AM PST

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Selangor PAS commissioner Datuk Dr Hasan Ali on Saturday denied accusations by PAS secretary-general Datuk Mustafa Ali that he (Hasan) was pursuing Umno's agenda.

"I refute any allegations of meetings between me and Umno leaders at the higher, lower or mid-levels at the time and date (Mustafa) mentioned.

"As the secretary-general of an Islamic-based party, he should not even utter such wild accusations," he told a news conference at his home here Saturday.

Previously, Mustafa was reported as claiming that he had evidence to link that Hasan was working with Umno leaders to sabotage PAS.

Mustafa was quoted saying that he had knowledge of a meeting between Hasan, former PAS deputy president Nasharuddin Mat Isa and three other individuals at a hotel in the city last Ramadan.

Hasan, who is also Selangor Religious Affairs, Malay Culture, Infrastructure and Public Utility Committee chairman, urged Mustafa to clarify the accusations made against him.

"I want an explanation from him on when the secretary-general's office set up an investigation unit at the PAS office.

"I also want to know the need for spying on members in the context of party unity," he added.

In response to a question, Hasan said he had turned down an invitation from Pertubuhan Pribumi Perkasa Malaysia (Perkasa) president Datuk Ibrahim Ali to join the right-wing Malay movement as he really wanted to continue his struggle to uphold Islam and the Malays.

"I have no intention of doing so and plan to continue championing Islam, the Malay race and the royal institution," he said.

On the accusation that he was using Umno-owned media to seek publicity for himself, Hasan said he was open towards working with the country's media.

"I would like to say that I basically accept any media. It's natural to choose a media that has power over us and the media is open enough to make room for people like me," he said.

He claimed that PAS' organ, Harakah, never allowed him to voice his opinion and preferred to feature other individuals besides party members.

Meanwhile, Hasan also said that he was withdrawing his statement regarding PAS' welfare state concept he made at a news conference on Tuesday, admitting he went too far when commenting on the party's struggles. - Bernama

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PM’s X'mas message: Seize chance to understand each other better

Posted: 24 Dec 2011 03:51 AM PST

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians must continue to seize the opportunity to forge better understanding between different cultures and faith, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

"I underscored this belief when in July, I led the government delegates to pay a courtesy call to Pope Benedict XVI in his summer residence at Castel Gandolfo, and shared my vision of the Global Movement of the Moderates.

"From that working visit, Malaysia and the Holy See (Vatican City) agreed to establish diplomatic relations, which I hope will lead to closer links and inter-faith dialogue between us," he said Saturday in his Christmas Day message in his blog.

The Prime Minister added that the Government was committed to further strengthening the long existing interaction with the Christian community.

"I have always made a special effort to meet with people of all faiths. I look forward to continuing this practice of seeking your ideas and hearing your thoughts for the betterment of our society," he added.

Najib said celebrations that were specific to cultural and religious communities had become increasingly accepted and celebrated by the larger Malaysian population, such as the gift-giving custom commonly practice during Christmas.

"It is fascinating to observe how the nation's multi-cultural as well as multi-religious practices blend into the society," he said.

He also urged Malaysians to spend Christmas to understand other fellow Malaysians better, and appreciate them for the diversity and strength they contribute to the nation.

"Last but not least, I wish all Malaysians of Christian faith a Merry Christmas," he said.

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Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

Sabtu, 24 Disember 2011